A POLICEMAN who circulated an email about an on-line petition against government road toll plans has withdrawn it after being reprimanded.

North Wales Police Federation Secretary Richard Eccles has apologised if he offended anyone.

PC Eccles forwarded the email to other officers, encouraging them to visit the Downing Street website which now contains a petition opposing the government’s idea for pay-as-you-drive road tolls.

The on-line petition has already been signed by more than 1.5m people.

PC Eccles was summoned to see assistant chief constable Ian Shannon and warned about using the force’s e-mail system for political purposes.

PC Eccles was away from work yesterday on leave. But chairman of the North Wales Federation, which represents rank and file officers, Sgt Tom Roger said: “I did not see the original email but police regulations say we cannot be involved with political matters and officers perceived the email to be political in that it suggested people should sign the on-line petition.

“Having discussed the matter with the assistant chief constable it was decided it may be perceived in that fashion although it was not meant to be, and it was withdrawn.

“It was meant for private individuals to go onto their own computers at home and make their own decision.”

A second e-mail is believed to have been sent to officers by PC Eccles apologising if the e-mail had offended anyone.

A spokeswoman for North Wales Police said: “We do not comment on matters of internal discipline.”

Dorset Police officers who used work computers to sign the petition may be disciplined for using police technology.

It followed an email encouraging them to add their name to the petition

Officers from the Professional Standards Department are investigating whether to take disciplinary action against staff who signed the petition.

A spokesman for Dorset Police Federation said the force had every right to restrict usage of its computers but hoped it would take proportionate action.